5 Splendid Events to Welcome Spring
Spring has sprung and there are a number of festivals to welcome the season in Cyprus. May is a great time to head to the villages and take in the fresh air and the colourful blossoms.
Many towns across the island offer a variety of activities and here, at MyCyprusTravel, we have picked the top five can’t miss Spring Festivals being held this May.
These events are great, family-friendly experiences for all visitors looking to get a real taste of the island’s culture.
Rose Festival in Agros Village, Troodos
Roses are not only one of locals’ favourite flowers, they are also used to produce some of Cyprus’ best products, including rose cordial, loukoumia, and a spoon sweet.
It is only fitting that they are celebrated in the beautiful mountain village of Agros, where they flourish throughout the spring and summer, due to the milder climate at higher altitudes.
The festival this year will be held on two separate weekends in May (12-13 & 19-20) in the main square.
At the event, you will be able to sample products made from roses, such as the cordial and the rose petal spoon sweet. Locals love to mix rose cordial with milk, giving it a sweet flowery taste, which is a favourite. Rose ice cream is also a favourite on the island, and it is very refreshing on a warm spring day.
“Reliving” Festival (Anaviomata), Dora, Limassol
If you are looking to get a traditional taste of Cyprus, then look no further than the “Reliving” or Anaviomata Festival in the wine-producing village of Dora, in the Limassol District.
The festival will be held on May 27th and will feature locally produced foods, including halloumi cheese, palouze, and cookies made from grape must, as well as, other items.
Visitors can see how many of these items are produced, and view a demonstration of the zivania refining process.
Entrance is free to the festival. Small kiosks will be set up throughout the village, where visitors can sample and buy products.
There will also be entertainment for children, including face-painting, clown entertainment, and other fun activities.
May Donkey Festival
The Golden Donkeys Farm in Skarinou is a great outing for the family all-year round, but on May 1st, Labour Day in Cyprus, it will host a special festival organised by the Outdoor Women’s Society of Larnaca.
Visitors will have a chance to view and interact with the sweet Cypriot donkeys at the farm.
Strawberry Festival
Deryneia, known for its strawberries, is only a short drive from Ayia Napa and Protaras. The municipality produces approximately 60% of the island’s strawberries, making the village ideal for the strawberry festival, held on May 25 at 7pm.
Visitors will have a chance to taste locally-produced foods made from strawberries, including liquor and jams.
Flower Festival (Anthestiria)
The month of May is dedicated to celebrating the return of spring through a month-long festival locally known as Anthestiria (Flower Festival).
The word Anthestiria comes from the Greek word anthos, which means ‘flower’.
On May 5th, a big festival begins at 6pm, on the Hotel Avenue in Protaras. A parade will be held, followed by a dance.
An event dedicated to flowers will also be held in Larnaca on May 6, with a parade through the streets in the afternoon and a concert on the ‘Finikoudes’ Promenade.
Limassol’s Yermasoyia Municipality will host a weekend-long event with a concert to open the festival on Saturday night, a parade on Sunday, followed by a concert.
